31 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Gainesville, Florida. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground, located in Micanopy just south of Gainesville, offers tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and hiking trails where visitors can observe wild horses and bison. O'Leno State Park, about 25 miles northwest of Gainesville, provides cabin accommodations along with traditional tent and RV camping. The region includes several springs-based recreation areas such as Ginnie Springs Outdoors and Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, both offering water-based activities alongside camping options. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate different camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces.
Many campgrounds in the Gainesville area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect the camping experience. Summer months bring high humidity and temperatures, while winter offers milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. "Beautiful park & campground. Sites were all lovely and well spaced out. Facilities were clean. Good walking trails right from campground," noted one visitor about Paynes Prairie. Water-based campgrounds like Ginnie Springs become particularly crowded during summer weekends and holidays. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons and university events. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Gainesville and spotty reception in more remote areas. Campers should prepare for occasional afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, and be aware that some campground roads may be narrow for larger RVs.
The natural springs represent a distinctive feature of camping in this region. Several visitors mentioned the crystal-clear 72-degree spring waters as primary attractions. "I had an amazing time snorkeling here. The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville," reported one camper about Devil's Den Spring. Campgrounds near water sources tend to fill quickly, particularly those offering swimming, kayaking, and tubing opportunities. Sites at Paynes Prairie receive high ratings for wildlife viewing, with campers reporting sightings of alligators, bison, and wild horses. Campground options range from basic sites with minimal amenities to more developed facilities with showers, laundry, and camp stores. Proximity to the University of Florida means some campgrounds experience higher occupancy during football weekends and graduation periods. The combination of natural springs, wildlife viewing, and varied terrain makes the Gainesville area distinctive for camping experiences in north-central Florida.
"Good walking trails right from campground. For distance bike riders, Gainesville bike club has good group rides (just sign up for a membership to join rides)."
"Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room. The location is great for visiting the prairie and easy access to Gainesville."
Available this weekend
from $18 / night
"There’s a good bit of distance between you and your neighbor which is always nice. The campsites have electricity and water and there is a dump station on-site. "
"The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
"This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness."
"Favorite springs in Florida and one of my favorite places to camp and spend a few days in Florida or the country in general. Awesomely maintained, plenty of sites."
from $45 - $60 / night
"The Florida State Trail passes through the park and is well marked. The ravines section is my favorite area in the park. In the greener months, it feels like a rain forest."
"The Florida Trail is my favorite part of my visits. The cabin we stayed in was small but nice. The ravines are gorgeous. You can access it with a vehicle, but you must walk down many stairs."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $100 / night
"We stopped in here on our way to Stone Mountain, coming from south Florida. It is conveniently located right off of I-75N with some restaurants nearby. Pull through full hook up site with cable."
"Found this location here on Dyrt and I'm so glad we did. We were tired along our drive and needed a place to park and rest."
Available this weekend
from $69 - $99 / night
"The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville, so if you want to spend some time being active in the water during the day but want to chill and go see a movie in a theatre at night, you can"
"Local weekend entertainment, pool, hot showers, and additional places to explore within walking distance. We will be back."
from $20 - $75 / night
"Should you find yourself anywhere near the home of The Gators here in landlocked Gainesville, then the location of Santa Fe Palms RV Resort itself will be one of its greatest assets."
"Convenient to Gainesville sites. Could be considered a little high priced but discounts make it ok."
from $45 - $95 / night
"Heading towards Gainesville recently, I came across Kate’s Fish Camp, very conveniently located in the the middle of nowhere, but altogether, sitting on a very nice bit of a water trail called Prairie"
from $26 / night
"A “real Florida” campground originally built by the CCC. Sites are decent size with typical Florida flora between the sites for some privacy. 30 amp/water hookups on site."
"Grounds are well kept as are most Florida parks. Short drive to several other park and springs in the area. Clean bathrooms."
from $18 / night
"This spring is one of the newer State parks in Florida. The bathrooms need updating. The sites are small. The electrical boxes are limited to amp hookup. The spring is AMAZING!!!"
"While quite a few of the natural springs you’ll find here in Florida contain a Disneyworld-like level of crowds and subsequent infrastructure, here at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll discover"
from $18 - $25 / night
GuideA “real Florida” campground originally built by the CCC. Sites are decent size with typical Florida flora between the sites for some privacy. 30 amp/water hookups on site. Roads are hard pack sand/gravel and not real smooth. A nice family campground for smaller size rigs. A playground accessible to most sites and classic bathhouse with showers is conveniently located. Lots of hiking trails. There’s an orange tree on my site!
GuideI liked this park it is large, lots to explore. We took our dog on her first camping trip and she was fantastic. I would like to go back without her though because I think I could hike better without her. There are a number of trails, but it rained for some of our stay so we getting get away from our camp too much. It was still lovely. I think a trip back is in order because we definitely didn’t experience all we would like to have experienced. We had our kayaks but since we had the dog we didn’t go. But I can see us returning for more adventures. We did walk over the suspension bridge, that was beautiful, a nice after the rain thing to do.
GuideMy husband and I went here for a long weekend, it was a really nice park we saw a lot of deer. There is 4+ miles of the Florida State Trail that runs through this park that we hiked. The terrain changes multiple times giving you a nice change in scenery. There is a ravine there too. The staff was great, and the facilities were clean. You can buy patches there too if you like to collect patches (or stickers) from the State Parks. And if you have the Florida State Park passport they have a stamp. It’s a good sized park and kept us busy.
LegendYou’ll only need to drive 30 minutes or so outside of JAX to access this one-of-a-kind back-country state forest featuring 24K acres of some pretty pristine thin longleaf pine forests complete with wiregrass where you’ll discover 9 pretty amazingly carved foot trails as well as 4 equestrian trails to take your noble steed for a ride. The roads in and around Jennings SF are unpaved heavily packed sandy dirt roads, so what that means when there’s lots of rain is a bit of a muddy mess where in some places you’ll need to be careful not to get stuck.
As for Hammock Campground, you’ll drive several miles to reach this camping outpost, but if you’re on the hunt for real P&Q and being nearly completely secluded, then the journey is well worth it. Just following the half dozen or so signs that beckon you here and upon arrival – you can’t miss it as there is one of those iconic FL shaped state park signs greeting you – just follow the lone, 1-way loop around the campground until you find your assigned # campsite. This is a primitive campground, so apart from an in-ground fire-ring w/ fold-over grill, 15 X 15 wooden perimeter tent camping pad (with raised sand silt ground) and standard issued picnic table, there aren’t many other amenities.
The single-use restrooms offer up a vaulted toilet and are - truth be told - God awful (make a note to bring your own TP) and not clean at all. There was a small communal area that featured a wonderful sheltered pavilion and a half dozen picnic tables along with a much larger communal fire pit with a half dozen seemingly brand new wooden benches – perfect for a bonfire or group s’mores for a party of 20 or so. I found the space between campsites along the serpentine-like drive to be perfectly spaced apart giving you decent distance between you and your neighbors with relatively good-to-great brush providing decent privacy.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) From a fauna standpoint, you’ll be sharing this SF with the likes of white-tailed deer, otters, gray fox, eastern cottontail, raccoons, opossums, wild turkeys and the Florida black bear, so be sure to plan accordingly; (2) While we didn’t think to bring our bicycles with us, we regretted it – so be sure to load up yours as there are miles and miles of great bike trekking to be had, but do ensure you bring fatter bike tires that can get you through the heavy sand roads; (3) Should you have a kayak or canoe, you should bring it as there are some 4 different kayak launches to choose from that will have you oaring; (4) Jennings SF is connected to the Great Florida Birding trail and features such fowl as northern bobwhite quail, pine warbler and an assortment of hawks; and (5) Make no mistake about it friends, this is a thick forest and is a host to some of the worst ticks you can catch – so take it from me and bring the tick repellant and be sure to wear trousers.
Happy Camping!
LegendPulling into Boogerville Hideout right off US 17 feels less like arriving at a campground and more like rolling into a full-on Roadhouse movie sequel where you’d expect Jake Gyllehnhaal (nee Patrick Swayze) to be bouncing at the front door. Upon entry, you might hear the rumble of bikes, the glow of string lights and the pulse of a live music set the tone before you even park. Located just south of Green Cove Springs, this biker bar and restaurant has recently carved out roughly a dozen RV slots behind and surrounding the property, creating a unique overnight option that blends convenience with a high-energy, social atmosphere. The setting is open and informal, with gravel and packed dirt surfaces, easy pull-in access and a layout that wraps around the main bar, stage and outdoor beer garden patio area.
The RV sites themselves offer basic hookups, making it functional for a quick overnight, but amenities beyond that are minimal. There are no traditional bathhouses, no playgrounds and no campground-style comforts, just port-a-potties that are shared with patrons of the bar. The vibe here is unapologetically lively, especially on weekends when live bands, karaoke, and DJs turn the outdoor beer garden into something closer to a small festival than a campground. Navigation is simple enough, and setup is quick, but this is clearly not designed for quiet evenings, early bedtimes and families with small kids - trust me - would not want to ‘drop anchor’ here for sure.
Surrounding the property, you are positioned along US 17 with quick access into Green Cove Springs for supplies, where you will find grocery options like Dollar Tree and El Supremo, gas stations like BP and casual dining spots like The Pub @ Magnolia Point, Roger That Wings & Things. If you are looking to balance the energy of Boogerville with a bit of calm, nearby parks and the St. Johns River offer opportunities to reset during the day before returning to the action at night.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Choose a site as far from the stage and US 17 as possible if you plan to turn in early, as music can run late on weekends; (2) Expect noise, this is part of the experience, not a drawback to be avoided; (3) Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper; (4) Plan to use your own onboard facilities if possible, as port-a-potties are shared and can get busy (and somewhat messy, particular closer to midnight on the weekends); (5) This is best treated as an overnight stop tied to enjoying the bar and music rather than a traditional campground stay; (6) If you are looking for any great grub in the vicinity, you’ve just hit the BBQ jackpot as less than a 20 minute drive from here, you’ll discover the legendary Woodpeckers Backyard BBQ that will be – without any contention – the greatest spot for smoked grub you will find IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA (yeah, I know, that's a big statement - so prove me wrong); and (7) If you’ve had 1 or 2 too many, you want to be incredibly careful and not try your luck up or down US 17 as this stretch of pavement is continuously patrolled by Florida’s finest, which is just yet another reason you should consider laying up for the night here @ Boogerville Hideout.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWe are in a travel spot. Lots of highway noise. Pretty area mostly owners only
TravelerRoads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
GuideSites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
ScoutI organized a group camping weekend here October 2 to 4, 2026. My group booked and paid for more than a dozen campsites and approximately 40 people, all next to each other, so the people around my site were my own friends. On Saturday afternoon we were sitting in our chairs when a security officer walked up and demanded that I lower my music. Nobody refused. I was turning it down as I explained that the music was for my whole group and that the neighbors around us were all our people. I also asked who had complained. Instead of answering, he snapped,"You do what I said and turn the music down." I told him I already had. With no attempt to calm things down, he shouted that we were out of there and had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Nobody in my group raised a voice or got hostile. We were polite and we complied, and we were still treated like criminals. When we went to the front desk to report how he had behaved, the clerk made it clear that our whole group was the issue and that they were watching us and that I had to leave. That told me this was never about one speaker or lowering the music. We were singled out while other groups were left alone. I even heard from others that were allowed to stay, that they heard Spanish music blasting at 1am AFTER QUIET HOURS! So, why were we kicked out? Discrimination! No refund was offered. They kept our money for a stay they cut short. We have held several events here over the years, about 8 visits in the last three years. There will be ZERO in the future. The springs are beautiful, but the way security and the front desk treat paying guests is not. My group is taking our events and our money somewhere else!
Campsites near Gainesville, Florida offer distinct ecological transitions between wetland preserves and natural springs. Located in north-central Florida, the region sits approximately 150 feet above sea level with a mix of limestone bedrock, sandy soil, and multiple freshwater systems. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with fall through spring offering more comfortable camping temperatures in the 60-80°F range, while summer brings higher humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Hiking unique terrain: The network of trails at O'Leno State Park offers surprisingly varied terrain for Florida. "There are nice elevation changes which makes it feel like your in the Carolinas or Georgia. The river is nice to see but I wouldn't swim or canoe it. Very fast and dark," notes one camper about the distinctive topography.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Gopher tortoises, deer, and diverse bird species inhabit the region's parks. At Magnolia Campground, visitors report "tons of birds, tortoise, and deer. This is one of our favorite campgrounds." Morning hours provide optimal wildlife viewing conditions when animals are most active.
Kayaking underground river systems: The Santa Fe River at O'Leno State Park presents a geological phenomenon worth exploring. "The river goes underground but you can't kayak in this area," explains one visitor who enjoyed paddling above the disappearing river section. For beginners, guided tours range from $35-60 depending on trip length.
Spring swimming access: The 72-degree waters at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park provide year-round swimming. One camper shares, "When you camp here you can use the spring before and after those who come for day use (there are a lot). In the evenings we had the spring to ourselves." Early morning and evening access gives campers exclusive use of the springs without day-use crowds.
Primitive camping options: Backcountry camping requires preparation but rewards with solitude. "Backcountry camping is first come first serve— get there early to get a permit," advises one visitor to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Educational opportunities: Rangers provide insight into local ecosystems and history. "We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," notes a family visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Historical structures: The CCC-era buildings at O'Leno State Park provide historical context. "All CCC construction. There is a picnic area, a pavilion, a lodge, a museum, several other structures," explains one visitor appreciating the preserved architecture from the 1930s.
Spring water clarity: Devil's Den Spring offers unique underwater views for snorkelers. "Beautiful campground with nice bathrooms. They have scuba lessons in pool if you have never dived. They also rent the equipment for both scuba and snorkeling," writes one camper who appreciated the facility's diving resources.
Cell service limitations: Connection varies widely across the region. At Kate's Fish Camp, one camper reported, "I tried Verizon, T mobile and AT&T for Internet all sucked. My starlink mini was slow and dropped often they have a lot of shade."
Campsite type variations: Primitive sites may cost the same as developed ones at some parks. "Not their fault (the state sets pricing) but primitive campsites are the same price as reserved ones with hookups, $18," notes a visitor to Paynes Prairie.
Spring visitation patterns: Popular springs become extremely crowded, especially on weekends. "Ginnie Springs is an absolute blast! The float is gorgeous and the springs are clear and the perfect temperature all year round. My only advice would be do not bring small children to Ginnie. It is more like a huge party with plenty of drunken antics all day and all night," warns a camper about Ginnie Springs Outdoors.
Wildlife precautions: Hiking paths may harbor ticks and other pests. "Tried going on a little family hike and all ended up with ticks so make sure you spray really good if this is on your agenda," cautions a visitor to O'Leno State Park.
Spring selection: Choose family-friendly water access points. "There are family friendly campgrounds on the springs nearby, but Ginnie is more adult," suggests one experienced visitor differentiating between the various spring options in the region.
Activity scheduling: Plan spring visits early. One Gilchrist Blue camper advises, "The proximity to the spring is what did it for me! We stayed in site 1 and it could see the spring from our RV." Morning access before day visitors arrive creates a more relaxed experience.
Educational trails: Select appropriate hiking distances for children. "The park has 8 trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. We were able to see wild horses, bisons, snakes and gators," shares a Paynes Prairie visitor about the educational opportunities available.
Pest management: Apply insect repellent liberally before activities. "It's Florida, the summer, and unless you weren't already aware of it, you're landlocked here in the middle of the state, so what does that mean? Mosquitos and bugs," reminds a Kate's Fish Camp visitor.
Site selection: Travelers Campground offers convenient overnight accommodations. "The staff checks you in and then brings you to your location via a golf cart. Probably one of the best hospitality perks after a long day of driving," notes one RV camper appreciating the guided site placement.
Hookup variations: Water hookups may require extra equipment. "Site 1 in particular requires a looooooong hose. The hookups are all over the place and we couldn't even use water because of that," advises a camper at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.
Space limitations: Assess site dimensions carefully before booking. "The Magnolia loop is better suited for larger campers. We are 35' and are in the Magnolia loop but nearly hit a tree backing in," warns an RVer about navigating O'Leno State Park's campground loops.
Amenity differences: State parks offer varying levels of hookups. "The park doesn't have much in the way of amenities no septic nor washer or dryer," notes a visitor to O'Leno State Park, highlighting the need to plan for limited services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gainesville, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 266 campgrounds and RV parks near Gainesville, FL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gainesville, FL is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gainesville, FL.
What parks are near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Gainesville, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Osceola National Forest.
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